Album Review

William Gray – None of The Above’

• 18th Jul 2009

William Gray is delighted to release his solo EP ‘None of the above’. William was once part of up and coming Leeds band ‘The Smokestacks’ famed locally for their hazy, folk enthused rock producing mega tracks like ‘Zanzibar Jones’ and the Nirvana esq ‘Damager’. It was with great sadness they decided to split – they were the heart beat of the Leeds Music scene.

However, William Gray fresh from the split has produced this most impressive 8 track mini album ‘None of the above’. Opening track ‘Stop the rot’ calmly paves into the world like a new song finding it’s feet – Gray hooks you in with his enchanting vocals. The track itself sounds like a hangover from a band splitting but this is a beauty and almost has that delicate sound of Aqualung. Wow!- second track ‘’Freaky Dreams’ has real invention, the twinkling opening and pounding guitar with vocals reminiscing of Micah P Hinson with Gray belting out ‘I could really use your female intuition for my very freaky dream’.

’Clutter’ bounds through in a self indulgent way – a take on everyday life. Gray subtly combing melodies with backing piano. ’Music to her ears’ includes Fran Gray on Drums and Joolz Gray on vocals. A poignant song that dreams of nightmares but then gives off this comforting feeling in the same breath.

’Easy Avenue’ depicts a lowly change in someone’s life, a love song, a split perhaps? Either way another masterful effort by Gray which includes a backdrop of pattering drums and a harmonica to boot. This song has a hint of the old ‘Turin Breaks’ in it. ’Like orange juice on a newly pierced tongue’ is one of the most notable tracks on the album, almost a combination of all the other tracks as Gray sings ‘I’m a grumpy old man, a drunken old man’ – calm and reflective with a stinging and optimistic chorus.

’Gambling Man’ skiffles and shuffles around with vocals, this time similar to Badly Drawn Boy – Gray has this way of picking out some of the most ambient artists in his songs – ‘Gambling Man’ hooks you in once more. The final track of the album ‘Lull-a-abye’ is a bouncy affair with tropical drums and tin can guitar sound effect. ‘An expression of our love in this world is not enough’ are the wonderful words Gray sings into the sky – a most shanty type sing-a-long indeed.

A very cool mini album – self reflective, calm and poignant all at the same time – make sure you give it a chance -perhaps a cult following will ensue! – you must let William Gray into your lives!!!!

For more info visit:

www.myspace.com/giantgraystacks